ADHD, Autism and Organophosphates

According to recent news stories, a connection has been found between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Organophosphates. The same chemicals have been implicated in studies with autistic kids. Those chemicals are used in some insecticides and often found in fruits and vegetables, especially celery, strawberries, and blueberries.

Years ago we had two hyperactive foster kids, one of whom was also autistic, and the Feingold Diet helped a lot to improve their behavior. At the time some people thought the connection was purely psychosomatic, but there were times when the boys reacted to things none of us knew they'd gotten. For example, once a cereal manufacturer changed an ingredient but continued using the old packages they had in stock so the change wasn't on the label.

I'm wondering if there could be some sort of connection between the salicylates that cause reactions in kids with ADHD and the organophosphates in the new study. Obviously they aren't the same chemical, but could one influence how people react to the other? Or could they both be found in some of the same foods? The new discoveries may open the door to new research that will result in helpful treatments.

In the meantime, I hope anyone with children who have those conditions will be careful to feed them only organic produce. And doing that with all young children might prevent the development of those conditions.